Cultural differences in business

What do you know about cultural differences in international business?

Give an example of what is okay and not okay in your culture when you meet someone.

1. Communication

Good communication is essential for any business to be successful. In many international companies, English is the language of business. But what is more important is how you convey your message. For example Finnish like you to speak directly. But people in India may be less direct. Fluent English might give you more chances but knowing about the importance of subtle non-verbal communication between cultures can be as crucial in international business.

Remember to be perceptive to body language. If you don’t know then ask.

2. Workplace manners

How you introduce yourself is important with different cultures. For some people you can only use family names. For others first names are okay and show you are friendly.  For example, Asian countries such as South Korea, China, and Singapore like to use formal “Mr./Ms.  + Family name.” Americans and Canadians usually use first names.

Time can be different between cultures in an international business environment. Different cultures can have different thoughts about what is “on time.” Not understanding the differences can mean negative cultural perceptions. For example, an American may arrive at a meeting a few minutes early. An Italian or Mexican may arrive a few minutes or more late but this is okay in their cultures.

Some cultures think working long hours shows commitment. But other cultures may think these extra hours show someone is not efficient. And they don’t think family time is important.

3. Organizational hierarchy

Organizational hierarchy and attitudes towards management roles can be very different between cultures. Junior or middle-management workers feel comfortable giving their opinions in meetings and asking questions for their seniors about their decisions or showing a different opinion. For example in Japan hierarchy, status, and respect for seniority, is important in the workplace.

However, Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, emphasize social equality. And these countries have a flat hierarchy. And their communication and an emphasis on cooperation across the organization. 

Cultural differences can be difficult. So it is important to know.

Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. Some of the answers are very close and have similar meaning. The meaning of these words is how they are used in the reading. Some of these words have different meanings in the dictionary depending on how they are used.

 The answers are below the table.

A=2/4, B=1, C=8, D=6, E=4/2, F=3/5, G=5/3, H=7

Some example sentences using the new words or phrases from the meaning of how they are used in the reading to help you understand better.

1.      If you wan to succeed it is essential that you work hard.

2.      Please convey to your mother that we are sad that her husband died.

3.      Red is not a subtle color, but grey is subtle.

4.      She was perceptive that something was wrong. She could see that he was lying.

5.      It is crucial that you get to the airplane boarding gate on time or you will miss the flight.

6.      Being a lawyer is a high status job.

7.      The army is a good example of an organization with a strong hierarchy.

8.      The professor emphasized that you everyone must give their assignment on time or they will lose a grade.

Some questions using the new words/phrases. Try to use the words/phrases in your answer.

1.      What communication things are essential to know in your culture?

2.      In your culture, how do you convey that you disagree with someone? How is it different for those with higher or lower status to you?

3.      Give an example of subtle communication in your country.

4.      How can you become more perceptive of whether someone is honest or not?

5.      What is crucial when meeting someone for the first time your country?

6.      How important is hierarchy where you work/study?

7.      After today’s lesson, what do you need to emphasize in your thinking? Why?